Bad Lieutenant

Dieser Film unterhält mehr mit dem Erwecken der Neugier, wie es weitergehen wird. Sonst hat man an ihm nicht viel Spaß. Keitels Leistung ist brillant, aber dem Sumpf, in den er versinkt, fehlt eine Plot-Spannung. Gerade noch drei Sterne, vielleicht nur wegen der merkbaren Szene mit den Mädchen ohne Führerschein. (13.11.2017)

Keitel’s magnum opus. A sophisticated perversion, indulging in everything immoral, bad and evil. This confrontation with a religious-flavored case eventually culminates in an ingeniously conceived and, in the overall context, completely useless confession. Sure, it’s disgusting, but in places painfully truthful. (30.12.2010)

The film is shot as a gritty street film, it is somewhat reminiscent of Scorsese's "Taxi Driver". It's as if there is nothing good on the streets, as if filth and disgust truly reign. The connection with religious visions is then strange and somewhat disturbing. It's understandable with Scorsese, but even with Abel Ferrara, who comes from a similar environment and has Italian, primarily Catholic roots. Nevertheless, this doesn't change the fact that the rawness of the streets is in an unnecessary and unpleasant contrast that won't say much to an atheist. However, Harvey Keitel delivers a performance that you will admire and maybe even hate. (19.11.2013)